Many firms 'actively tackling' gender pay gap, survey suggests

A survey carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has suggested that 93% of UK firms are 'actively tackling' their gender pay gap.

The survey of 350 businesses revealed that 60% of firms believe that diversity helps them to attract and retain staff, and a further 50% said it has brought new skills and capabilities into their workforce.

According to the survey, 50% of respondents are seeking to improve gender diversity in 'all levels' of their business.

Commenting on the CBI's findings, Ben Willmott, Head of Public Policy at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), said: 'For the most part, employers are focusing on improving progression opportunities and on workplace diversity, which are positive steps. But there's scope to go further, particularly on improving the gender balance in senior roles.'

As part of the second round of gender pay gap reporting, businesses and organisations are required to provide information on their gender pay gap by specific deadlines. Public sector organisations must publish and submit their data to the government by 30 March 2019, whilst businesses and charities must publish and submit by 4 April 2019.